Software Engineering

UCAS code: G600

Here's what De Montfort University says about its Software Engineering course.

As a Software Engineering student at DMU, you will develop the technical skills needed to design and build software that is used in everyday devices and systems across our homes, workplaces and communities.

This course is a specialist pathway within Computer Science sharing similar subjects for the first two years of study. Final year study includes a distinctive focus on building software across different platforms including contemporary mobile devices and embedded systems.

You will also learn about the structure of organisations, gaining insight into the commercial context in which systems are commissioned and deployed, as well as covering important professional issues surrounding computer ethics, law, and security.

Key features

Tailor your learning to your career ambitions by choosing from a range of optional final-year modules, including Functional Programming, Advanced Web Development, and Embedded Systems and IoT.

Study a diverse curriculum that has an equal balance of theory and practice and is embedded with contemporary technologies designed to tackle modern multi-core platforms.

Join our thriving student societies to build on what you learn on the course and to develop your interests and skills outside of teaching time. They include the Games Society, Robotics Club and Google’s Developer Student Club.

Benefit from an international experience with our DMU Global programme. Software Engineering students have networked at software companies in Berlin and met tech entrepreneurs in San Francisco.

Explore professional opportunities with an optional placement year. Software Engineering students have undertaken placements with large organisations including IBM, Arm Ltd, Gigaclear, Next and SAP.

Prepare for a career in the thriving software industry. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as LHA ASRA Group, Lorien, MISCO, Oracle, Royal Bank of Scotland and Sainsbury’s.

This course has been fully-certified by the British Computer Society (BCS). BCS accreditation is a mark of quality assurance and means our course content and provision has been assessed by academics and employers to ensure it meets the rigorous standards set by the profession.

Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Year one

Block 1: Database Design and Implementation

Block 2: Fundamental Concepts of Computer Science

Block 3: Computer Programming

Block 4: Operating Systems and Networks

Year two

Block 1: Object Oriented Design and Development

Block 2: Data Structures and Algorithms

Block 3: Web Application Development

Block 4: Software Engineering Team Project

Year three

Block 1: Software Development: Methods and Standards

Block 2: Mobile App Development and Big Data

Block 3 / 4: Development Project

Optional modules (choose one):

Block 3 / 4: Functional Programming Block 3 / 4: Advanced Web Development Block 3 / 4: Embedded Systems and IoT

This is a full-time course. Each module is worth 30 credits. Outside of your normal timetabled hours you will be expected to conduct independent study each week to complete preparation tasks, assessments and research.

Course delivery is in block mode, which means each 30 credit module consists of a seven week teaching block.

Students are taught on this course via a range of methods including staff directed learning via lectures, tutorials and laboratories. Students will also learn through collaborative and group-based learning in addition to individual learning. Students will also learn via student-centred resource-based learning via web-based resources and student-centred learning via individual research / literature review.

Methods of assessment include time constrained phase tests, portfolios of work, programming and other laboratory exercises, viva voce examinations, individual and group work, project work, reports and presentations.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging.